Adjustable step-ladder.



D. J. CUMMINGS.

ADJUSTABLE STEP LADDER.

APPLIOATION nun MAR. 1. 1910.

984,544. Patented Feb. 21, 1911.

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ADJUSTABLE STEP LADDER.

APPLICATION P'ILED MAB. 1. 1910.

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ammo/sow UNTTE STATES PATENT @FFTCE.

DANIEL J. CUMMINGS, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

ADJUSTABLE STEP-LADDER.

Patented Feb. 21, 1911.

1910. Serial No. 546,598.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that- I, DANIEL J. CUMMINGS, a citizen of the United States,residing at New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State ofConnecticut, have invented new and useful Improvements in AdjustableStep-Ladders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an adjustable step ladder especially designedfor the use of paper hangers, painters or other artisans in working uponlevel and irregular surfaces, the object of the invention being toprovide a ladder which may be used upon a floor or other level surface,and also with safety upon stair-ways and other irregular or steppedsurfaces, the prop portion of the ladder being provided with simple andeffective means whereby it may be extended or contracted for thepurposes described.

The invention consists of the features of construction, combination andarrangement of devices hereinafter fully described and claimed,reference being had to the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 is afront perspective view of an adjustable ladder embodying my invention,showing the prop section contracted. Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view,showing the prop section extended. Fig. 3 is a vertical section throughthe prop section. Fig. 1 is a rear elevation of the ladder, showing thedivergent relationship of the bars of the ladder sections slightlyexaggerated.

Referring to the drawing, the numerals 1 and 2, respectively, designatethe step and prop sections of the ladder, which are hinged at theirupper ends as indicated at 3 and connected by the usual jointed foldingbraces 4. The step section 1 may be of any preferred construction, whilethe prop section 2 in accordance with my invention, is composed of upperand lower sections or members 5 and G, the said upper section beingconnected by the hinges 3 to the top step of the step section and by thebraces 1 to the side bars of the top section.

The member 5 of the prop section is composed of a pair of downwardlydivergent side bars 7 connected at their upper ends by a cross bar 8 andadjacent their lower ends by a cross bar 9, the said bars being providedon their outer faces with longitudinal guide rods 10. Arranged betweenthe bars 7 is a central, longitudinal bar 11 fastened at its upper andlower ends to the cross bars 8 and 9.

The lower member or portion (3 of the prop section is formed of sidebars 12 connected by upper and lower sets or pairs of upwardlyconverging braces 13 and 14 which are pivotally attached to the sidebars and to the upper and lower ends of a central longitut linal bar 15,said bar 15 being provided with a longitudinal slot 16. Through thisslot 16 passes a bolt 17 extending through the cross bar 5) and lowerend of the longi tudinal bar 11. of the section 5 and provided with awasher 1S and a wing nut 15), whereby the bars .11 and 15 are slidablyconnected for vertical adjustment on each other and may be fixed inrelatively adjusted position.

In order to guide the section (3 in its movements on the section 5, aswell as to firmly connect said sections against undue movement, thelower ends of the bars 7 are provided with flanged plates or half cuffs20 engaging the bars 12, while the latter are provided at their upperends with guide sleeves 21 which lit and slide on the rods 10.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that the lowermember 6 of the prop section may be adjusted longitudinally on the uppermember 5 thereof, whereby said prop section may be extended andcontracted to rest at a higher or lower elevation than the step section1, in which adj usted position the section 6 may be firmly fastened bythe clamping bolt 17, washer 18 and nut 15). The ladder will thus befound of great advantage and convenience to paperhangcrs, painters andother artisans in working upon stairs and other level and unlevelsurfaces.

As shown, the bars of the sections 5 and G diverge toward their freeends, in order to widen the prop section at the base, to give a widertread or support for the ladder. Hence, the pivoted braces or links 13and L1 will permit the bars 12 to have a relative inward and outwardmovement, as the section (3 is adjusted upward and downward on thesection 5, to prevent the sleeves 21 from binding on the rods 10.

Having described my invention, I claim A step ladder comprising a stepsection, and a prop section, said prop section e1n-. bodying relativelyfixed and adjustable members slidably connected,the upper memher beinghinged to the step section and the two members embodying outwardlydiverging side bars, a central longitudinal bar upon the fixed section,a slotted central longitudinal bar upon the adjustable section, upperand lower sets of inwardly converging links pivotally connected to saidslotted bar with the side bars of said adjustablev section, a boltcarried by the fixed section 1 and passing through the slot in said bar,and

a clamping nut associated with said bolt;

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

DANIEL J. CUMMINGS. Witnesses HYMAN JAooBs, BARNETT BERMAN.

